National Security Senior Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking a National Security Senior Associate Attorney to join the National Security practice of a premier Am Law firm in Washington, DC. This is an outstanding opportunity to advise asset managers, sovereign wealth funds, multinational corporations, and financial institutions on complex U.S. national security regulations affecting cross-border transactions, investments, and global business operations.

The ideal candidate will have 6 years of experience counseling clients on economic sanctions, export controls, CFIUS matters, and related national security regulatory issues. This role offers the opportunity to handle sophisticated transactional, compliance, investigative, and enforcement matters within a nationally recognized practice.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on U.S. national security regulatory regimes, including economic sanctions, export controls, CFIUS, DCSA, and outbound investment restrictions.
• Counsel asset managers, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions, and multinational companies on regulatory compliance and transactional risk.
• Guide clients through the CFIUS and DCSA review processes, including transaction structuring, filing preparation, agency engagement, mitigation negotiations, and post-closing compliance.
• Provide compliance advice regarding OFAC sanctions, EAR/BIS regulations, ITAR/DDTC requirements, outbound investment rules, and related national security laws.
• Conduct internal investigations and prepare voluntary disclosures involving potential sanctions, export control, or national security violations.
• Assist clients in regulatory enforcement matters and settlement negotiations with U.S. government agencies.
• Collaborate with attorneys across multiple practice areas to provide strategic, business-focused advice on domestic and cross-border transactions.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• 6 years of experience advising clients on national security, economic sanctions, export controls, CFIUS, and related regulatory matters.
• Significant experience counseling clients on OFAC, EAR/BIS, ITAR/DDTC, outbound investment regulations, and related compliance programs.
• Experience managing CFIUS and DCSA matters, including transaction agreement negotiations, regulatory filings, mitigation agreements, and ongoing compliance obligations.
• Experience conducting internal investigations and preparing voluntary disclosures is preferred.
• Exceptional legal research, drafting, analytical, and communication skills.
• Two writing samples are required as part of the application process.
• Active bar admission, or eligibility for admission, in Washington, DC.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $390,000, with compensation commensurate with class year and experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement savings, paid time off, professional development opportunities, and additional employee wellness benefits.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced attorney to join a nationally recognized National Security practice advising leading global clients on complex regulatory, transactional, compliance, and enforcement matters at the intersection of law, finance, and international business.